Chapter 30 : Sneak

After settling themselves in the tent Phoenix prepared for them, Kaizo team began their first incognito meeting. Although Planet Circus is packed with crowds, they still managed to find a secure place for them to meet.

"So, what's our plan?" Rum asks.

Axion spreads all the information she has on the holographic screen. "Firstly, we need to adjust with our show schedule. As planned, Kaizo will divert the attention to him. You already did well making a good impression on the audition. Use this opportunity to get close to circus members. Any rumor, any news that they talk about. You're gonna need to listen carefully," Axion explained.

"Lahap, since you're doing the heavy lifting, I'll leave the backstage area to you. I want a list of who goes in and who goes out with the details of their job."

"Roger!" Lahap replied.

"Rum, I've asked Phoenix to put you in charge of the ticket booth. I want you to make a list of any suspicious customers."

"Got it!" Rum nods.

"I've also asked Phoenix to put Ramenman in charge of handing out flyers. Keep a lookout on who you meet on the street."

"Okay!" said Ramenman with a thumb up.

"Wait, we're searching this circus? I thought we're supposed to search for the marked area on the map," Kaizo asks.

"Remember what Phoenix said? We need to be careful. The tent is not thick enough to hide what we say. Before we go and check around, I want to be sure that we have a solid base camp," said Axion. "It will be troublesome if the person that could jeopardize our mission is a member of Cirque du Stellar."

"Better be safe than sorry," said Ramenman.

"And you still believe your informant won't be the one who can jeopardize our mission," said Kaizo.

Axion sighed. "I told you. I trust my informant. Phoenix says it usually takes 5 to 6 weeks for newcomers like us to have a solid role. I want to have every information regarding Circus du Stellar in less than 6 week. The sooner the better," said Axion.

"What about your role?" Kaizo asked.

"Huh?"

"Your role on this mission," Kaizo adds.

"I'm analyzing all the information that you gathered," said Axion indifferently.

"So we're doing the heavy lifting while you're chilling here," said Ramenman.

"You want to be the one in charge for paperwork?" Axion asks.

"Uhmm… no. You're right. You can have all the paperworks," Ramenman answered.

"Also, who's gonna make a report to Admiral Maskmana?" Axion asks.

"NOT ME!" Lahap, Rum and Ramenman answered in unison.

Axion looked at Kaizo.

"I can't. I'm The popular guy, remember? Can't have my follower stalking me during my report," said Kaizo almost sassily.

Axion looked at him in disbelief. "Fine! I'll do it. And here I thought you're supposed to be the Captain." said Axion sarcastically.

"As leader of this team, I appoint you as my assistant so you do all the paperwork," said Kaizo.

Axion makes a surprised look. Ramenman chuckles.

"Is that all?" Kaizo asks.

"No," said Axion. She pulled a few small cameras out of her pockets. "I want you to have these," said Axion.

They all take one mini camera each.

"These gadgets are mini cameras. Slip it in your accessories. It will take pictures or videos of people you meet," Axion explained.

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After finishing the team's meeting, Axion returned to her tent. She wears her bounty hunting suit. She looks around before she steps out of her tent. Soon as she reaches a dark alley, she walks slower. She sharpens her senses, noticing someone has been following her. Suddenly, someone lunged at her from behind.

Axion stepped aside, evading the attack. She swings a punch at the attacker, but he dodges it. After exchanging attacks a few times, Axion grabs his hands and pins him on to the wall.

"Kaizo…?" Axion mumbled.

The dim street lamp shines on Kaizo's face. He doesn't seem amused.

"So this is your role on the team," said Kaizo sarcastically.

Axion pulls back. "I have my own way of gathering information."

"By relying on your informant?" Kaizo asks.

"...I was thinking about punching some faces and getting it with force," said Axion.

"You know whose face to punch?"

"Not really. But I have some faces to start."

Kaizo sighs.

"You really like to sneak on people, don't you? I'm flattered. If the girls know you're interested in me, they won't be easy on me. I'll be somewhat lucky if rumor is the only thing those girls can do to put me down," said Axion as she slowly walked away.

"Maybe if you can tell me about you in detail, I won't have to follow you around," Kaizo replied.

Axion stared at Kaizo. "Funny. For someone who doesn't truly know about me, you actually can read my decision." She folded her arms. "You're expecting this, aren't you?"

"Of course. This is not the first time you sneak out on your own," said Kaizo.

Axion sighed. "I guess you're tagging along then." She gave a masquerade mask.

Kaizo stared at the mask.

"To hide your face. It'll be a problem if the people we're punching tonight saw us perform on stage," Axion explained.

Kaizo takes the mask. The mask is blue and full of decoration. It even has feathers on the corner. He stared at it with an unenthusiastic look.

"It's your fault for following me without preparation. Next time, bring your own mask and costume," said Axion indifferently.

Kaizo plucks away the feathers before he reluctantly wears it.